No one really expected Jess Meuse to show up in diaphanous robes and start spinning on the "American Idol" stage. But ever since her audition with judges for the Fox reality series, Meuse has been compared to Stevie Nicks.

On Facebook and Twitter, viewers have urged the rock singer from Slapout to cover a Fleetwood Mac song, emphasizing the gritty vibrato on "Rhiannon," "Dreams," "Gold Dust Woman" or "Landslide."

On tonight's episode, Meuse proved that she's been listening. She took on a Fleetwood Mac classic for her top nine performance, learning the lyrics for the first time and shedding her guitar for good measure.

Meuse, 23, is one of three Alabama singers remaining on the show during Season 13. Here's the latest on her progress, as seen on the 7 p.m. broadcast.

This week's theme: "I'm With the Band." Contestants shared the stage with the "Idol" music team, led by Rickey Minor. The band played a central role in the performances, instead of being hidden in the background. Song choices? Up for grabs.

What she sang: "Rhiannon" by Fleetwood Mac. It's a signature song for the pop-rock band, written by Stevie Nicks and released on "Fleetwood Mac" in 1975.

What Meuse said: Her biographical segment focused on the rigors of the road -- driving to nightclub shows, setting up gear, performing for audiences who might not be listening. Meuse also talked about one of her offstage pastimes: hunting. "When the end of the world comes, you want the redneck on your team," she said.

What the judges said: "You did a nice job," said Harry Connick Jr. "For the first time, I started to see a slightly different side of you. It was a subtle change, but it was a change. It felt kind of focused; it felt like you were really thinking about what the song means to you. … I'm proud of you." Keith Urban encouraged Meuse to "move around and own the thing a little more." Jennifer Lopez noted that Meuse's confidence is growing and called her voice "beautiful." The next step? "Now I have to feel something. You have to draw us in. You've gotta do something that makes us feel we want to watch you, too, not just listen to you," Lopez said.

Critical reaction: A good song is a good song. Meuse did justice to this one, singing "Rhiannon" with twangy Southern flavor. Her cover had a subtle country vibe that was oddly effective, although Meuse didn't stray too far from the original. Visually? The necessary charisma was lacking. Meuse remained planted at the microphone, looking rather uncomfortable without her guitar as a safety net. Extra points for courage, but she's still working on Stage Movement 101.

What's next:Viewers will vote for their favorites in several ways, including a new method linked to Google searches. One singer will be eliminated on the March 27 episode, which airs at 8 p.m. CST. Janelle Monae will perform on the half-hour results show.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/7915870/"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;What did you think of Jess Meuse's top 9 performance on 'American Idol'?&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;